Action:
The recreational fishery in Bonneville Reservoir opens to white sturgeon retention 7 days per week.

Effective dates:
Feb. 24 through March 9, 2014

Species affected:
White sturgeon

Location:
The Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam (Bonneville Reservoir).

Reason for action:
Establishes a third white sturgeon retention period in Bonneville Reservoir. Harvest during the first two retention seasons in January and early February was less than expected, leaving around 350 fish available for harvest during this season extension. Fishery managers have reserved about half of the 1,100 fish total guideline for a summer retention season.

Other information:
Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed between Bonneville and The Dalles dams when retention is not allowed.
Staff anticipates re-opening Bonneville Pool for a summer retention season during June 2014. This summer fishery and a May-July spawning sanctuary downstream of The Dalles Dam will likely be proposed in March 2014.

The section of the Columbia River and tributaries between The Dalles Dam and McNary Dam opened to sturgeon retention January 1 per permanent rules and will remain open until respective harvest guidelines for each reservoir are reached. The spawning sanctuaries from the Highway 395/I-82 Bridge upstream to McNary Dam and from the Rufus grain elevator upstream to John Day Dam will be closed to all sturgeon fishing May 1 through July 31.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule